Whitehall Lane Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Estate 2016 750ml

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California

Notes from the Winemaker

This 2016 Leonardini Estate wine is a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon. It begins on the nose with rich, dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bon bons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Its balance and mid-palate are most notable, providing long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. On the palate, it delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche, pencil shavings, and cedar on the finish. The beautiful underlying tannin structure, complexity, and ample fruit will evolve over time and age gracefully for 15-20 years.

Reviews and Accolades

93 Points/Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Leonardini Estate was aged for 26 months in French oak, 65% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, warm cassis, blackberry pie and mulberries scents slowly unfurl, giving way to nuances of pencil lead, mossy tree bark and truffles with a waft of cardamom. Full-bodied, the palate is delivering mouth-filling black fruit and compelling tension with a plush texture and a long, savory finish.

92 Points/Wine Spectator
A broad, fleshy style, with warmed cassis and plum compote flavors, carried by loam and cocoa notes through the finish. A late echo of sage adds range.

92 Points/James Suckling
Tons of bright berries and plums with just a hint of bitter chocolate, making this full-bodied yet fresh Napa cabernet sauvignon very impressive. I love the succulence of the long finish. Where is that steak with forest mushrooms?

90 Points/Wine Enthusiast
This is a massive, full-bodied wine, robustly built in ripe blackberry and currant with chalky tannin and dried herb. Cedar and tobacco ring around the savory edges of toasted oak and lasting baking spice.